Friday's top games to see (12/21)

JCS (5-6, 2-0) at TCA (5-3, 1-1) (Girls)

Earlier this season: TCA won 51-38

Players to watch: JCS post Caroline Yarbrough; TCA forward Samantha VanCleave

What to know: Two rivals out of the city of Jackson that split the two meetings last season. TCA won TCA is looking to close out the first half of the season strong after picking up a district win over Middleton the previous Friday. The Lady Eagles are still trying find a top scorer after last year’s leading scorer Rachel Lee decided to sit out this season with a knee injury. A win here would be big to close out this half of the season.

 

JCS (5-7, 2-0) at TCA (7-1, 2-0) (Boys)

Earlier this season: TCA won 51-47

Players to watch: JCS post Lucas Pyron (if healthy); TCA forward Kyle Akin

What to know: TCA won both games last year, but both were close. The earlier matchup this season was no different. Lucas Pyron is proving to be one of the area’s top scorers this season, but he suffered an injury against Clarksburg so he is availability is in question tonight. TCA has plenty of tough guards that prove to be hard to guard. The Lions are sitting atop District 15-A and are coming off a big win over Middleton. TCA wants to continue that success into the Christmas break. JCS is undefeated in district play and would like to add a quality non-district win to the record.

 

Union City (10-2, 7-0) at Westview (12-1, 7-0) (Girls)

Earlier meeting: Union City won 63-60

Players to watch: Union guard Jackie Hudson; Westview post Teddy Vincent

What to know: The Lady Chargers’ lone loss came at the hands of Union City on the road. Westview wants to close out this first half of the season with a win to revenge that loss. The Lady Lions are executing their offense well, and that will need to continue against a scrappy team like Union City. The Lady Tornadoes play a tough press on defense.

 

Union City (8-3, 6-1) at Westview (11-3, 6-1) (Boys)

Earlier meeting: Westview won 71-66

Players to watch: Westview post Javier Gordon

What to know: The Chargers have three losses, but those losses are to three of the top teams in West Tennessee – Dyer County, South Side and Covington. Westview pulled off the win at Union City earlier in the season and want to do the same at home. Westview has plenty of good guards that can go on scoring runs at any moment. The key will be Javier Gordon establishing his presence in the post.

Thursday's top games to see (12/20)

McNairy Central (10-1, 3-0) at Hardin County (6-4, 2-1) (Girls)

Earlier meeting: McNairy Central won 59-51

Players to watch: McNairy Central guard Brianna Burge; Hardin County post Emily Gray

What to know: The Lady Bobcats made the most of the second quarter in the first meeting, outscoring Hardin County 13-6, en route to the win. McNairy Central’s posts Mikaela Rowland and Mallorie Sweat led the Lady Bobcats with 19 and 18 points, respectively. Delany Timberman led the Lady Tigers with 16 points. A difference this time around might beHardin County post Emily Gray.

 

Bradford (6-5, 1-5) at McKenzie (9-3, 6-1) (Boys)

Last year: Bradford won both meetings (63-60, 59-57)

Players to watch: Bradford guard Glenn Cooper; McKenzie guard Hunter Lowe

What to know: Bradford swept the season series last year, but the two wins were by a combined five points. The Red Devils were 4-0 to start the season with non-district wins, but the District 14-A schedule has been unkind. Bradford is 0-5 in district play. A non-district game might be just what Bradford needs to get back to winning. McKenzie is sitting atop District 13-A, and the Rebels are looking to end the first half of the season with a win.

 

West Carroll (7-3, 6-1) at TCA (6-1, 2-0) (Boys)

Last year: TCA won both meetings (76-57, 81-54)

Players to watch: West Carroll guard Jamal Glenn; TCA guard Ben Moroney

What to know: The War Eagles are on a winning streak since the football players returned to basketball form. This will be a tough test for West Carroll. TCA is a well-rounded team that is tough to guard. The Lions have a city rival looming on Friday, so TCA can’t get caught looking forward.

Monday's top games to see (12/17)

Scotts Hill (10-1, 2-0) at Chester County (6-2, 3-0) (Girls)

Earlier meeting: Scotts Hill won 46-43

Players to watch: Scotts Hill post Chelsea Wyatt; Chester County post Iesha Sims

What to know: The two teams met Dec. 8 with Scotts Hill taking the close win. Scotts Hill jumped out to a 16-8 lead after the first quarter and extended it to 27-12 at halftime before the Eaglettes made a comeback in the third quarter. Chester County is going to have to find a way to stop the Lady Lions from taking an early lead this time around. Scotts Hill’s Chloe Roberts led all scorers with 16 points last time.

 

Dresden (5-2, 3-2) at Bradford (3-6, 1-4) (Girls)

Last year: Bradford won 48-45

Players to watch: Dresden guard Carrie Hatchel; Bradford forward Leah Beth Reeves

What to know: These are two teams that are rebuilding from last year. Dresden has found a little more success though thus far. The Lady Lions are led by their two guards in Carrie Hatchel and Amy McAlpin. Bradford is looking for consistency out of their top players. The game is at Bradford, which is a tough place to win at for road teams.

 

Westview (10-1, 6-0) at Gibson County (7-3, 3-3) (Girls)

Last year: Two teams split four meetings (Westview won 57-55, 54-32 (Dist.); Gibson County won 45-43, 52-46)

Players to watch: Westview guard Kaley Leyhue; Gibson County guard Jasmine Whittemore

What to know: There has been no bigger rivalry in girls’ basketball over the past five years than this one. The battles between Gibson County’s Heather Butler and Heather Griffin against Westview’s Grace Ann Swaim and Amber Rechis were classics. Westview sits atop District 13-AA and Gibson County is not far back. The teams will both play stingy defense, and the winner will probably be the team that limits turnovers. Gibson County is coming off a close district loss to Dyersburg, and the Lady Pioneers want to get back to winning before Christmas.

 

Dresden (6-1, 4-1) at Bradford (4-5, 0-5) (Boys)

Last year: Dresden won 60-52

Players to watch: Dresden guard Austin Maxey; Bradford guard Tyler McCartney

What to know: Dresden suffered its first loss of the season in double overtime this past week to McKenzie. The Lions are looking to rebound against a team that has suffered a string of losses lately. The Red Devils want to find a way back to winning ways before the Christmas break arrives. Both teams have talented guards and the difference could come down to the team that can establish a post game.

Saturday's Games to see

Madison (8-4, 3-0) at USJ (7-1, 2-0) (Girls)

Earlier meeting: USJ won 55-50

Players to watch: Madison post Taylor Davis; USJ post Eliza Edwards

What to know: The Lady Mustangs fell to USJ two weeks ago as Madison was on a three-game losing streak. The Lady Mustangs are now on a three-game winning streak entering this week. USJ has not played since Tuesday due to the influenza virus circulating the school. This game should have an interesting matchup in the post as the Lady Mustangs boast the duo of Taylor Davis and Dakota Smith, and USJ has Eliza Edwards.

 

Lake County (3-3, 3-3) at Liberty (4-4, 2-1) (Boys)

Last year: Liberty won both meetings (64-62; 87-74)

Players to watch: Liberty post Rashard Crisp; Lake County post Devon Jones

What to know: These two teams played in their respective classification’s state semifinals last year, but both are young and trying to rebuild this year. Liberty has played a tough early season schedule with the likes of Siegel, Covington and Bolivar. The Crusaders are hoping to build and be ready for a run in the postseason. Lake County picked up a big win over Humboldt Friday in overtime, and the Falcons hope to carry that into this week.

Friday's top games to see (12/14)

Bolivar (8-3, 3-0) at South Side (4-2, 2-1) (Girls)        

Last year: Bolivar swept the two meetings (55-43; 54-45)

Players to watch: South Side post Stephanie Tipler; Bolivar guard Tionne Herron

What to know: This will be a big test for South Side to see exactly where the Lady Hawks are in the district. Bolivar has already picked up three wins in district play, and the Lady Tigers look to be the team to beat. Bolivar is full of talented guards, so the difference might be South Side’s Stephanie Tipler and her ability to score underneath the basket.

 

Lexington (4-6, 1-2) at Chester County (5-2, 1-1) (Girls)

Last year: Chester County won both meetings (42-34; 45-39)

Players to watch: Chester County guard Tamacha Couch; Lexington post Kalee Goff

What to know: The Lady Tigers are off to a slow start in district play with losses to South Side and Bolivar. If Lexington wants to compete again for the district title, the Lady Tigers need to get back to winning ways. Chester County’s only loss is to Union City, and the Eaglettes are playing well this season behind the guard play of Tamacha Couch.

 

Gibson County (7-2, 3-2) at Dyersburg (3-4, 2-3) (Girls)

Last year: Dyersburg won both meetings (67-46; 59-41)

Players to watch: Gibson County guard Jasmine Whittemore; Dyersburg guard Myah Taylor

What to know: The Lady Pioneers barely missed out on the district semifinals and a berth in the region tournament last year. Gibson County is under a new head coach in Mitch Wilkinsand looking to rise back to the top four in the district. Dyersburg is in rebuilding mode, and looking for a big district win. The Lady Pioneers will play in-your-face defense and try to create turnovers.

 

Bolivar (7-4, 3-0) at South Side (8-1, 2-1) (Boys)

Last year: Bolivar took two of the three meetings (Won 81-63; 72-63; Lost 61-59 (Reg.))

Players to watch: South Side guard Jaylen Barford; Bolivar guard Jerrious Sain

What to know: A tough week continues for South Side. The Hawks take on Liberty on Tuesday and follow that up with Bolivar. After this week, South Side will know exactly where it stands in the district. These are expected to be the top two teams in the district and both have a shot at making the state tournament in March.

 

Middleton (4-6, 2-0) at TCA (5-1, 1-0) (Boys)

Last year: Middleton won two of the three meetings (Won 76-49; 58-40 (Dist.); Lost 65-64)

Players to watch: TCA guard William Hall; Middleton guard Cornelius Patterson

What to know: These were the top two teams in the district last season, and they have to potential to be the top two again. Middleton has started slow with some tough competition, but the Tigers opened district play with a win over Adamsville. TCA was out of school most of last week and didn’t get to play any of its three scheduled games. Are the Lions back in playing shape and ready to face a quick team like Middleton?

 

Hardin County (7-1, 1-1) at North Side (4-7, 1-2) (Boys)

Last year: North Side won two of the three meetings (Won 67-55; 67-60; Lost 76-57 (Dist.))

Players to watch: North Side post Antoine Williams; Hardin County post Will Shelton

What to know: North Side is still trying to get its three football players back into basketball mode. Hardin County is off to a hot start, winning its first six games before falling to Dyer County Friday. The Tigers are looking to build off a third-place finish last season where Hardin Count beat the Indians in the consolation game. This game should feature to good post players in Will Shelton and Antoine Williams.

 

Haywood (5-4, 3-2) at Crockett County (6-3, 4-1) (Boys)

Last year: Haywood won all three meetings (78-44; 70-62; 75-69)

Players to watch: Haywood post Sadarius Delk; Crockett County forward William Edwards

What to know: Both of these teams are fighting for position in District 13-AA play. Both are currently in the top half of the district standings. The Tomcats’ two losses are to the top two teams in the district. Both teams have speed and the ability to shoot the ball well outside. Rebounding could be the difference in this game.

 

Greenfield (7-0, 4-0) at Humboldt (6-2, 2-2) (Boys)

Last year: Humboldt won two of the three meetings (Won 67-58; 68-42 (Reg.); Lost 51-50)

Players to watch: Greenfield guard Tony Robinson; Humboldt guard De’Sonta Bradford

What to know: Greenfield is proving to be one of the best in 14-A after picking up wins over Lake County, Bradford and Trenton Peabody. Humboldt started district play strong, but lost both games last week to Lake County and Union City. A win here is big for both teams. Greenfield wants to stay undefeated, and Humboldt wants to get out of the losing slump.

Tuesday's Games to See (12/11)

Liberty (2-5, 0-1) at South Side (3-2, 1-1) (Girls)

Last season: South Side won both matchups (48-45; 70-65)

Players to watch: Liberty guard Rhaven Kemp; South Side guard Ke’Shunan James

What to know: The Lady Hawks picked up a big district win over Lexington on Thursday and wants to keep that momentum. South Side missed out on the region tournament last year and eyeing a spot in the tournament this year. The key for the Lady Hawks will be stopping Rhaven Kemp and keeping Ke’Shunan James out of foul trouble. Liberty had a slow start against Bolivar on Friday, and the Lady Crusaders can’t allow that to happen Tuesday.

 

Madison (6-4, 1-0) at Adamsville (4-1, 0-1) (Girls)

Last season: Madison won three of the four meetings (Won 63-53; 56-43 (Dist.); 70-65 (Reg.); Lost 44-42)

Players to watch: Madison guard Cayla Sheets; Adamsville Keatinez Lloyd

What to know: These two teams were the best in Region 8-A last season, and could be again this year. Madison is coming off a 3-0 week and picked up its first district win. Adamsville got tripped up in its first district game at home, and the Lady Cardinals do not want to lose two-in-a-row at home.

 

Covington (10-0, 4-0) at Westview (8-1, 4-0) (Girls)

Last season: Covington won two of three meetings (Won 49-45; 38-34 (Reg.); Lost 51-44)

Players to watch: Covington guard Precious Harvey; Westview post Teddy Vincent

What to know: Two of the three undefeated teams in District 13-AA meet up with the top spot on the line. Covington is hard to stop and looks to be the favorite in the district. Westview’s only loss is to Union City. Westview will try to contain Covington’s speed and execute its offense.

 

Liberty (2-4, 0-1) at South Side (8-0, 2-0) (Boys)

Last season: Liberty won all four meetings (58-53; 56-50; 71-60 (Dist.); 55-44 (Reg.))

Players to watch: Liberty guard Daniel Hill; South Side guard AJ Merriweather

What to know: Throw the records out in this city rivalry. South Side is looking to get a win over Liberty, which hasn’t happened for a couple seasons. The Hawks are loaded with talent and looking to make this the year they add to the six state titles this district has won over the past nine seasons. Liberty is rebuilding this season, but should improve as the season progresses.

 

North Side (4-6, 1-2) at Bolivar (6-4, 3-0) (Boys)

Last season: Bolivar took both meetings (56-48; 75-62)

Players to watch: North Side guard Storm Shivers; Bolivar guard Chris Woods

What to know: Bolivar has won four straight heading into this game, and the Tigers want to build off that to stay as one of the best in the area. North Side is young and trying to find its identity this season. The Indians have plenty of veteran leadership with Antoine Williams and Storm Shivers. A win over a team like Bolivar would be big for North Side in the early season.

 

Dresden (6-0, 4-0) at McKenzie (6-3, 4-1) (Boys)

Last year: Dresden swept both meetings (82-52; 53-45)

Players to watch: Dresden guard Brock Dilday; McKenzie guard Trevor Willis

What to know: Currently, these are the two teams sitting atop District 13-A. Dresden won the district last year, so this is no surprise. The Lions are undefeated and should only get better after Austin Daniel returns from injury. McKenzie is looking for a good season and a chance to play for the district championship. Expect a much closer game than the first time they met last season.

 

Covington (8-2, 4-0) at Westview (8-2, 4-0) (Boys)

Last year: Covington won two of the three meetings (Won 52-47; 64-53 (Dist.); Lost 63-51)

Players to watch: Westview guard Jordan Davis; Covington guard Tarecus Hughes

What to know: Westview and Covington have seen some early season success. Covington’s roster has been improved this season with two transfers from Haywood and one from Brighton. Westview returns much of the same teams as last year with solid guard play and a post in Javier Gordon. The loser takes their first district loss of the season.

Friday's top games to see (12/7)

Liberty at Bolivar (boys) -- I will be here. These have been the top two teams in 14-AA in recent history. Both have won a state title in the past three years. Liberty is young this year, but led by a veteran in guard Daniel Hill. The Tigers boast a tough guard of their own in Chris Woods.

Middleton at Adamsville (girls) -- Middleton and Adamsville played in the region semifinals last year with the Lady Cardinals reaching the sectional round. Middleton was young last year with mostly freshmen and sophomores, and the Lady Tigers are again young. The Lady Tigers are led by Averyale Joy. Adamsville is under a new head coach, but the Lady Cardinals are undefeated so far. Keatinez Lloyd leads Adamsville.

Riverside at Madison (girls) -- Madison is on a two-game winning streak after losing three straight. The Lady Mustangs are looking for a District 15-A win. Riverside is off to a good start at 4-2. The Lady Panthers are led by Holly Chumney and Bree Linton. Madison is led by guard Cayla Sheets.

JCM at Chester County (boys) -- Both of these teams are looking for a District 14-AA win early in the season. JCM is looking for its first win of the season. Chester County has a win over Madison, but a win over the Cougars would be big. Chester County is led by post Jared Humphry. JCM is led by Darius Wardlow.

Humboldt at Lake County (boys) -- After falling to Union City Tuesday, Humboldt must rebound quickly with Lake County looming today. Humboldt is led by guard De'Sonta Bradford. Lake County is a different team from last year when the Falcons reached the state semifinals. Guard Zay Coleman and post Devon Jones lead Lake County.

Tuesday's top games to see (12/4)

Sorry that I didn't post any blogs last week, but we were all busy gearingup for the BlueCross Bowls in Cookeville. But I am back and ready to get into basketball full swing.

Westview at Haywood (Boys) -- These teams will both being battling for spots in the region tournament come February. Westview finished second last year, but the Chargers are looking for their second district title in three years. Haywood wants to find their way back to the top. The Tomcats are led by  sophomore Kyler Douglas and junior Sadarius Delk. A big question for Westview is the health of post Javier Gordon, who has been out with an injury. If he is still out, Jazell Baker and Antonio Hogard will have to lead the Chargers from the guard position.

Lexington at Bolivar (Girls) -- These are expected to be two of the top teams in District 14-AA. Bolivar has already picked up a district win last Friday over JCM. Tionne Herron leads Bolivar from the guard position along with Kelsey Kirk. Lexington opens district play tonight. Post play dominates Lexington's offense with Andrea Moffitt and Kalee Goff. So this game might come down to which offense is able to utilize their top players the best.

Union City at Humboldt (Boys) -- During the preseason, the coaches picked these two teams to be the tops in 14-A. Both of these teams have seen plenty of success in the past decade and both want to get back to The Glass House in March. The Golden Tornadoes have gone back to running the court with some strong shooting. Humboldt starts five juniors led by DeSonta Bradford.

McNairy Central at Adamsville (Girls) -- A battle of unbeatens as McNairy Central sits at 5-0 and Adamsville at 3-0. One will take their first loss tonight. McNairy Central has played some tough competition in the first two weeks of the season, and Admasville just adds to the list. The Lady Bobcats are led by Mikaela Rowland at forward and Prosha Chappell at guard. Adamsville is led by guard Keatinez Lloyd. The Lady Cardinals have only played three games due to games being postponed due to the football team's success.

Hardin County at Scotts Hill (Girls) -- Scotts Hill is 7-0 on the season, but Hardin County would like nothing more than to give the Lady Lions their first loss. Scotts Hill is led by the post play of Chelsea Wyatt and wing Chloe Roberts. Hardin County has suffered two losses, but both were to quality opponents. The Lady Tigers return four starters from last year and want to build of that success. Hardin County is led by post Emily Gray and guard Katie Terry.

Huntingdon at Dresden (Girls) -- These two teams played in the 13-A championship game last season, and both want to get back. The Fillies are yet to play a district game and the Lady Lions are 0-1 in district with a loss to West Carroll. Dresden is led by its guards in Amy McAlpin and Carrie Hatchel. After losing three starters from last season, the Lady Lions are trying to find their identity. Huntingdon is led by forward Allee Maxwell and guard Savannah Dodson. A win here would be a big jumpstart in this early season.